Naren's indie round-up/ Aprll 2026, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood & The Rajasthan Express/ Ranjha

Language & genre; Punjabi, Sufi

Label: Junun/ World Circuit 

Rating: *****

In 2015, Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, Israeli singer Shye Ben Tzur and folk musicians The Rajasthan Express collaborated on the album Junun. They now get together on Ranjha, due for release next month.

The title track is out and it's a brilliant burst of Sufi energy using the verse of Baba Bulleh Shah. The words "Ranjha Ranjha kardi huva main aape Ranjha hovi, Saho menu dheedo Ranjha, Heer na aankhon koi" are sung with intense fervour.

The basic song is available on the streaming platforms. The YouTube music video, directed by Ian Patrick, begins with an extra intro, with the main song beginning after two minutes and 20 seconds, after which there is an extended credit portion. The video shows the musicians performing live, and the great nagara player Nathulal Solanki and the trumpet player Aamir Bhiyani chip in with contributions too. Celestial stuff with some incredible vocals.

Aditya Rikhari, Kutle Khan & Ravator/ Ae Ajmabi

Language & genre: Hindi, folk-fusion 

Label: Universal Music 

Rating: ** 1/2

From the title, one was expecting a new version of A.R. Rahman's Dil Se song. Thankfully it turned out to be something else.

Produced by Ravator, Coke Studio Bharat's Season 4 opener 'Ae Ajnabee' starts on a good note, with a neat chorus, sarangi and warm vocals by Aditya Rikhari. But somewhere down the line, the effort is to be over-expressive and the charm is lost. Even Vanraj Shastri's soulful sarangi cannot save it.

The chorus "Ae ajnabee dil ki lagi ka silsila chalte hi rehne de" suddenly becomes too loud, and the sargam at the end seems forced. Even in the video, singers Aditya and Kutle Khan, and all the musicians, over-dramatise their gestures and movements, like they are exercising at a gym. Subtlety seems to be an 'ajnabee' here.

Inner Child/ Gentle Breeze 

Language & genre: English, singer-songwriter 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Rock fans would recognise Abhishek Mittal as the young guitarist of popular group Parikrama. He had also been with his band Submarine in Space.

Abhishek has released the music video of 'Gentle Breeze', his first as a singer-songwriter under the name Inner Child. Arpeggios and whistles adorn the starting, and a pleasant voice takes over. In the chorus, he sings, "A quest for happiness is what you sent me on with a kiss, a gentle breeze is the new cool me".

The song is all about hope and gratitude, and the tune and words have a simplicity that make it ideal for live shows. Looking forward to more such work from Abhishek.

No Neighbours Around/ Creator

Language & genre; Thrash, English

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

By their own admission, "this one's heavier, faster and darker than anything we've put out before". And what a rocker Bengaluru band No Neighbours Around aka NNA has come up with on 'Creator'.

Moving into thrash territory from their alternative leanings, this one has some sizzling riffs and pounding drums. Guitarist-vocalist Vignesh Siva, bassist-vocalist Vishwesh Siva and drummer Vikas Gotla combine fabulously, and the lyric video by Maya Santhanakrishnan has been stylishly done.

Thematically the song is about self-doubt and internal conflict. It ends, "It feels like I don't want anyone to take me home, but if you know how to feel". This should be a concert biggie.

Prakash Sontakke feat. Keith Peters/ Wild Chase

Language & genre; Instrumental, fusion

Label: Karmic Records

Rating: *** 1/2

Bengaluru-based guitarist Prakash Sontakke teams up with Chennai bassist Keith Peters on 'Wild Chase'. He uses an Asher electro Hawaiian guitar to create an energetic piece.

In keeping with the name, the track uses street traffic sounds, reminiscent of his earlier album Progressive Raga. The bass interlude is well-done and the piece ends in Hindustani classical tihai style.

At two minutes, it seems a bit short. But there's a lot packed in over that duration.


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